Showing papers in "Hts Teologiese Studies-theological Studies in 1996"
TL;DR: In die Nederduitsch Hervonnde Kerk van Afrika is die odium theologicum geen vreemdeling nie. as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: In die Nederduitsch Hervonnde Kerk van Afrika is die odium theologicum geen vreemdeling nie. Daar is verskeie illustrasies van moontlik. Ben verskyningsvonn daarvan is die heftige polemiese trant van talle publikasies van S P Engelbrecht2, J G M Dreyer3 en andere. Dit staan in 'n ou Transvaalse tradisie, soos onder andere gesien kan word in die laat-negentiende-eeuse styl van M J Goddefroy4. Waar hierdie emosionele polemieke na buite plaasgevind het en telkens teen anti-Hervonners vir die Hervonnde Kerk in die bres getree het, het daar nou 'n binnekerklike twis losgebreek. Ook dit is nie by ons onbekend nie. Ons hoef maar net te dink aan die bitterhede van die Geysersage gedurende die sestigerjare en van die Artikel III-debat in die jare sewentig en tagtig. Die twis wat egter gedurende die negentigerjare in Hervonnde geledere gegroei het, laat die vroeere twiste klein lyk. Anders as in die afgelope drie dekades is dit nie meer enkelinge of 'n handjievol kritici wat redelik maklik ge'isoleer kan word nie. Nou' staan hele slagordes met wapperende vaandels in die kerk teenoor mekaar. Na die vergadering ter lewering van 'n 'Eietydse Getuienis' op 4 November 1995 en die verskyning van Die Hervonner van die halfjaar wat op die Vier-en-sestigste Algemene Kerk-vergadering gevolg het5, sou dit 'n oop deur intrap om hiervoor dokumentere bewys aan te voer. Daar word soms eufemisties na die meningsverskille wat in die laaste helfte van 1995 kookpunt bereik het, verwys as 'n 'debat'. As 'n waardige debat werklik ontwikkel, kan dit die Hervonnde Kerk en die beoefening van die teologie ten goede kom. In hierdie artikel beoog ek nie om aan die geveg deel te neem nie, maar weI om konstruktief by te dra tot wat 'n debat kan word.
14 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the first recipients of Matthew's gospel to local Jewish communities and the features of the internal life of the communities for which Matthew wrote are discussed, and the authors aim at locating it in the broadest possible context within early Judaism and early Christianity.
Abstract: The article elaborates upon issues raised in the author's 1992 book, 'A 'Gospel for a New People: Studies in Matthew'. These issues concern the relationship of the first recipients of Matthew's gospel to local Jewish communities and the features of the internal life of the communities for which Matthew wrote. In the light of the complexity of reconstructing the social setting of Matthew's gospel, the article aims at locating it in the broadest possible context within early Judaism and early Christianity.
13 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the intimate relation between power, history and historyiography is explored within the context of the postmodem philosophy/historiography of Michel Foucault, who confronted us with a timeless question: do we recognize our own dicourses of power? Do we recognize the Other, the victims of instrumental reason?
Abstract: Michel Foucault and the historization of Otherness In this article the intimate relation between power, history and historiography is explored within the context of the postmodem philosophy/ historiography of Michel Foucault. Foucault confronts us with a timeless question: do we recognize our own dicourses of power? Do we recognize the Other, the victims of instrumental reason? At the end of the Middle Ages leprosy disappeared from the face of the earth. (Michel Foucault: Opening sentence in Madness and Civilization)
13 citations
TL;DR: The authors argue for a post-foundationalist epistemology where theo-logy and science, although very different modes of reflection, do share the richness of the human rationality.
Abstract: In this paper the focus is on the extreme epistemological complexity of the relationship between religion and science as two dominant forces in our culture today. This complexity is aggravated by a seemingly conflictual postrnodern, pluralist challenge to a culture that already reveals itself as decidedly empirically-minded. For theology and science a meaningful dialogue becomes possible only if both modes of reflection are willing to move away from overblown foundationalist epistemologies and, for theology at least, from the intellectual coma of fideism. The paper finally argues for a postfoundationalist epistemology where theo-logy and science, although very different modes of reflection, do share the richness of the resources of human rationality. In so doing it attempts to answer three crucial questions: i) are there good reasons for still seeing the natural sciences as our clearest available example of rationality at work? ii) If so, does the rationality of theological reflec-tion in any way overlap with scientific rationality? iii) Even if there are impressive overlaps between these two modes of rationality, how would the rationality of science and the rationality of religious reflection differ?
11 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors make an attempt to draw certain guidelines, based on available research done in this area, for the Afrikaans-speaking churches in the new South Africa.
Abstract: The praxis of the church in the new South Africa. Political and social changes in the new South Africa will impose a new praxis with far reaching consequences, especially for the Afrikaans speaking churches. Although it is still premature to definethe new praxis the church has to be prepared to accept the challenges. A few studies in this regard have already been published. This paper is an attempt to draw certain guidelines, based on available research done in this area.
7 citations
TL;DR: The gospel of Mark contains summaries, a "short report" and the long report on the deliberations of the Sanhedrin this article, the latter consisting of four fragments strung together by the redactor and put under the vinculum of the nocturnal session.
Abstract: The gospel of Mark contains summaries, a 'short report' and the long report on the deliberations of the Sanhedrin. The latter consists of four fragments strung together by the redactor and put under the vinculum of the nocturnal session. Each of these passages contains information, the relevance of which is discussed in this paper.
6 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, poverty in the world of the New Testament is explained in the light of the social dynamics of the first century Eastern Mediterranean, focusing on the subculture of the disreputable poor.
Abstract: Culture of poverty: The world of the New Testament then and the situation in South Africa today. In this article poverty in the world of the New Testament is explained in the light of the social dynamics of the first century Eastern Mediterranean. The focus is on the sub-culture of the disreputable poor. Features of a culture of poverty are reflected upon from a social-scientific perspective in order to try to understand why poverty is intensifying in South Africa today. The article aims at identifying guidelines for Christians in using the New Testament in a profound way to challenge the threat of poverty. The following aspects are discussed: the underdevelopment of third-world societies over against the technical evolution in first-world societies during the past two hundred years, economic statistics with regard to productivity and unemployment in South Africa, the social identity of the disreputable poor, poverty within the pre-print culture of the biblical period, and the church as the household of God where Christians should have compassion for others.
6 citations
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5 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a group of teaching intellectuals from the Hasidic movement are identified as the authors of Daniel 7-12 and their stance towards society during the crisis, brought about by thedrastic reforms of Antiochus IV Epiphanes in 167 BCE, is explained in terms of their firm belief that the disturbed order of holiness would be restored in accordance with a fixed time scheme.
Abstract: Daniel 7-12 from a social-scientific perspective In this social-scientific investigation a group of teaching intellectuals from the Hasidic movement are identified as the authors of Daniel 7-12 Their stance towards society during the crisis, brought about by the drastic reforms of Antiochus IV Epiphanes in 167 BCE, is explained in terms of their firm belief that the disturbed order of holiness would be restored in accordance with a fixed time scheme Although a part of the cultural situation, their expectation of a future change debarred them from taking active part in society Rather they maintained a passive and quietistic attitude
5 citations
TL;DR: The authors examines the relationship between the Church, culture, people and government from an historical, theological, philosophical, and practical perspective, and examines the relationships between Church, Culture, People, and Government from an Afrikaans-oriented perspective.
Abstract: Church - CUlture - People - Government. Since 1994 the Republic of South Africa has undergone profound political and cultural changes. The churches in South Africa (including the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika as an Afrikaans-orientated church) need to evaluate the situation and come to a theological understanding of their relationship with the culture, people and government of South Africa. This article examines the relationship between church, culture, people and government from an historical, theological, philosophical and practical perspective.
4 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the origin and development of the idea of Christianity as a single society in the Roman Empire under the leadership of the state or emperor and the Church or pope.
Abstract: The Corpus Christianum in the Middle Ages. The origin and development of the idea of Christianity as a single society in the Roman Empire under the leadership of the state or emperor and the Church or pope is investigated. The idea developed differently in the East and the West. In the East it developed into Caeseropapismand in the West, although linked to a notion of theocracy, it developed into eccesiocracy or papalcracy: both being caricatures.
TL;DR: The Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika as mentioned in this paper argued that the Church does not have a responsibility when it comes to the struc- turing of society.
Abstract: The use of the Old Testament in motivating the church's responsibility towards the social order - a hermeneutical issue The conviction within the ranks of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika that the church has a responsibility with regard to the social order is strongly based on a reading of the Old Testament which can be traced back to Calvin. The hermeneutics underlying this kind of reading of the Old Testament basically works with a 'deeper' meaning - a meaning which can be brought to light by means of typological exegesis. The author argues that this kind of hermeneutics cannot be maintained in the after-math of historical-critical research. The argument is put forward that the church does not have a responsibility when it comes to the struc turing. of society. The theological position of the author is one which links up with qialectical theology. 1. INLEIDING Daar is 'n wydverbreide oortuiging in die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika dat die kerk in die wereld 'n kultuurtaak het (Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk 1995: 316). Indien artikels en kommentaar in die amptelike publikasies van die Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk en die Gereformeerde Kerke in Suid-Afrika oor die afgelope drie jaar in ag geneem word, is dit duidelik dat die oortuiging dat die kerk 'n kuItuurtaak het, ook in die geledere wyd voorkom. Vir die doel van hierdie artikel sal ek my hoof saaklik tot die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk Afrika en die tradisie waarop hy hom bercep, beperk. Daar is nie onder teoI9C eenstemmigheid oor presies wat kultuur alles behels ilie. Dit bring noodwendig mee dat die opinies ook uiteenloop oor die vraag wat die kuI tuurtaak van die kerk is. Daar is trouens 'n hele spektrum van standpunte oor die saak. Aan die een kant van die spektrum is daar diegene wat meen dat die kerk inspraak moet he in die inrigting van eike aspek van die samelewing. Dit betekell dat die kerk sy stem moet laat hoor oor maatskaplike, politieke, ekonomiese en watter ander sake daar
TL;DR: In this paper, a postmodem subject-object schema replaces the subject-subject schema in epistemology, which is enhanced by taking into account the alternative wisdom of Jesus of Nazareth, which challenged the conventional wisdom of his day.
Abstract: Culture criticism, cultural wisdom in the first century and the alter native vision of Jesus of Nazareth Culture criticism represents a critical position towards those culturally oriented studies which advocate a positivist subject-object schema in epistemology. In this kind of epistemology, knowing is a one-directional process in which the objects of knowing are subjected to the manipulative power of the knower. The article aims at discussing different perspec tives in continental philosophy (Peter Berger's phenomenology, Mary Douglas's cultural anthropology, and the critical theories of Michel Fou cault and Jurgen Habermas). Aspects of the contributions of Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Schleiermacher and Karl Barth, precursors in 'culture criticism', are also considered. It is shown that in recent postmodem thinking a symmetrical subject-subject schema replaces the subject-object schema. This position is enhanced by taking into consideration the em phasis in present-day historical Jesus research on the so-called 'alterna tive wisdom' of Jesus of Nazareth, which challenged the conventional wisdom of his day.
TL;DR: In this article, it is argued that the Pauline formula should be interpreted in terms of participation in the "Jesus-Sache", which encapsulates Paul's intention that the believer should 'become as Jesus was' Participation and reconciliation, ethics and suffering thus cohere.
Abstract: The formula (ἐν ΧρισΤῷ) as the basis of Pauline ecclesiology. This article is an attempt to interpret the Pauline formulaἐν ΧρισΤῷ. The argument proceeds from the thesis that the formula forms the basis of Pauline ecclesiology. Firstly, traditional interpretations of the formula are shown to be inadequate since they understand the phrase one-sidedly as a reference to the kerugma of the cross. It is argued instead, as a second step, that theformula should be understood in terms ofparticipation in the 'Jesus-Sache'. This expression encapsulates Paul's intention that the believer should 'become as Jesus was' Participation and reconciliation, ethics and Suffering thus cohere. In conclusion, the meaning of the formula ἐν ΧρισΤῷ is further explicated by juxtaposing it with the phrase ἐν ΧρισΤῷ The interpretation of the genitive as subjective implies that the believer should 'believe as Christ believed'. To participate in the 'Jesus-Sache' thus means to become part of the church.
TL;DR: The question of whether Paul was of the opinion that apart from proclaiming the gospel, the church should be involved in cultural matters and even take the responsibility for furthering cultural causes was investigated in this paper.
Abstract: The relationship church and world/culture in light of the Pauline 'as if not' (ὡς μή). In this study the question is posed as to whether Paul was of the opinion that, apart from proclaiming the gospel, the church should be involved in cultural matters and even take the responsibility for furthering cultural causes. The bulk of the study is devoted to Paul's advice to his readers in 1 Corinthians 7:17-24, and especially 7:29-31. Concerning the latter passage, the possibility of Stoic influence on Paul is weighed, and, although such influence is not ruled out altogether, it is argued that Paul's advice should rather be seen against the background of his expectation of the imminent end of the world, as well as his conviction that the believer's union with Christ makes any other relationship or involvement a matter of no consequence. The final conclusion of the study is that although Paul did not advocate ascetism or forbade Christians to take part in worldly matters and institutions, he also did not expect them to play an active role in these things or to promote culture. On this basis, it is concluded that Paul may not be used as support for any argument in favour of a cultural involvement or responsibility on the part of the church.
TL;DR: In this article, the New Testament information concerning the crucifixion of Jesus is discussed and evaluated, and it is concluded that, in the view of the absence of convincing literary evidence, the statue representing the 'crufixion of Marsyas in the Hermitage museum provides a contemporary example of a possible manner in which Jesus could have been crucified.
Abstract: The way in which Jesus was crucified After an overview of various forms of crucifixion in the ancient world, the available archaeological data and artistic renderings of different means of crucifixion are discussed. The New Testament information concerning the crucifixion of Jesus is then discussed and evaluated. It is concluded that, in the view of the absence of convincing literary evidence, the statue representing the 'crucofixion of Marsyas in the Hermitage museum provides a contemporary example of a possible manner in which Jesus could haye been crucified.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that the theory of the two kingdoms is not a unique Lutheran, but also a Calvinist interest, and they further show that this theory is not only concerned with separating the two Kingdoms but also with bringing these kingdoms into relationship with one another.
Abstract: Does the church have a political responsibility? On the necessity and boundaries of the theory of the two kingdoms. The question is asked whether the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika has a political responsibility in the new South Africa? It is often heard that the church has no political responsibility - especially in the new circumstances. In defending this viewpoint, theologians in South Africa argue that they are in line with Luther's theory of the two kingdoms. This article shows that the theory of the two kingdoms is not a unique Lutheran, but also a Calvinist interest. It is further shown that this theory is not only concerned with separating the two kingdoms, but also with bringing these kingdoms into relationship with one another. A plea is made for loyalty towards both the Lutheran and Calvinist traditions. Attention is also given to three new challenges namely democracy, pluralism and Africanisation.
TL;DR: In this article, the intimate and symbiotic relationship between religion and culture is accepted as backdrop for an elaboration of the principle of the church being in the world but not of it.
Abstract: Church and culture - a religio-theological perspective. The intimate and symbiotic relationship between religion and culture postulated by various sociologists of religion is accepted as backdrop for an elaboration of the principle of the church being in the world but not of it. The question whether a peoples church 'volkskerk' has any special cultural responsibilities is also addressed. Finally it is contended that modern, seculilrised culture is controlled by a civil ideology akin to civil religion.
TL;DR: Other illumination: With Adorno at the heartbeat of the post-modern intellect, this paper argued that the usurpation of the so-called Other (which the author Calls "Anderverdringing") is at the core of modem thought, and that the illumination of the ǫ other (called Ander-bereddering), which the author calls "Otherilluminating", is at a core of postmodern thought.
Abstract: Other illumination: With Adorno at the heartbeat of the post-modern intellect. In this article Adorno's critique of identity thinking and modem systems of thought are exploited within the context of the current debate of modernity. It is argued that the usurpation of the so-called Other (which the author Calls "Anderverdringing") is at the core of modem thought, and that the illumination of the Other (which the author calls "Ander-bereddering") is at the core of postmodern thought. Habermas' theory of communicative action is used to bring Adorno's critique of identity thinking to the Jore as a form ofpostmodern critique, exactly in the sense that Adorno's philosophy is essentially Otherilluminating.
TL;DR: The last judgement is a central topic of the Jewish-Christian religion and should therefore be actualised in such a way that it again can become part of the living faith of the Church as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Preaching on the last judgement .This article deplores the fact that the theologumenon 'last judgement' has become a museum piece. It seeks to stimulate a new debate on this topic. The author is convinced that this theologumenon is a central topic of the Jewish-Christian" religion and should therefore be actualised in such a way that it again can become part of the living faith of the church. The author enters into discussion with Moltmann about God's actions in this world, with Pannenberg about the criterion of the judgement and with Kung about eternal punishment.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the culture-related views of childhood in biblical, Qumran and early rabbinic literature, and discuss the meaning of "becoming like a child" in the New Testament.
Abstract: 'Becoming like a child'. Like what child?. 'Becoming like a child' is an idea often expressed in the New Testament in connection with the following of Jesus. However, the meaning of this phrase is not so clear. It has' to be understood in its cultural context. The author seeks to clarify that cultural context by discussing the culture-related views of childhood in biblical - especially New Testament -times as these are refelcted in biblical, Qumran and early rabbinic literature.
TL;DR: The quest for the historical Jesus has been a vitally central topic in New Testament scholarship as discussed by the authors, and the question about who the real'real' Jesus is, the relevance of the quest seen from the angles of both the church and the university, the nature of historical inquiry and criteria applied in historical Jesus research, and the resurrection and the virginal conception are discussed.
Abstract: Historical Jesus research in perspective. The quest for the historical Jesus has been a vitally central topic in New Testament scholarship. The article aims at explaining to non-scholars some of the premisses and methods of this historical critical enterprise. Issues concerning the question about who the 'real' Jesus is, the relevance of the quest seen from the angles of both the church and the university, the nature of historical inquiry and criteria applied in historical Jesus research, and the resurrection and the virginal conception are discussed. The article is written from the assumption that the Jesus who matters is both the Jesus of history and the Jesus of faith. It is shown that historical investigation reveals trajectories respectively with regard to reports about the resurrection and the virgininal conception of Jesus in the New Testament and with regard to creedal statements.
TL;DR: In this article, the SETI-projects of NASA and some universities are explained and examined, and the possibility of UFO's is taken into account and evidence evaluated in respect of philosophical considerations, the validity of inductive strategies is investigated as well as epistemological problems relating of rational communication.
Abstract: Sufficient conditions for extraterrestrial intelligence: Philosophical and theological considerations. Sufficient conditions would include confirmation of extraterrestrial intelligence. Accordingly the SETI-projects of NASA and some universities are explained and examined. The possibility of UFO's is taken into account and evidence evaluated. In respect of philosophical considerations, the validity of inductive strategies is investigated as well as epistemological problems relating of rational communication. Theological considerations bring to the fore the imago Dei problem. It is concluded that in the light of both neccessary and sufficient conditions the issue no longer is of a scientific fiction nature but is on a firm scientific path.
TL;DR: The attitude of the Apocalypse of John towards culture was not written in the first instance to say something about the believer's attitude towards and use of culture as such, but between the lines important information is to be found as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The attitude of the Apocalypse of John towards culture. The last book of the Bible was not written in the first instance to say something about the believer's attitude towards and use of culture as such. However, between the lines important information is to be found. Those who really believe in Him who is proclaimed in this book do not need to exchange the culture of their people for the culture of another group. It should always be borne in mind, however; that if a certain aspect of one's culture is contrary to the gospel or is a hindrance to the passing on of the gospel to all human beings, the gospel should have priority over one's beloved culture and traditions.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the way Christian norms and values can be realized in the context of education and training, and identify opportunities for actively furthering Christian norms within the new environment of education in South Africa.
Abstract: This article investigates the way Christian norms and values can be realised in the context of education and training. The article starts with a survey of the ways in which, in the previous political dispensation, Christian norms and values were incorporated in career training, in tertiary education and in the programmes of primary and secondary schools. Education and training, however, now have to operate in a new environment, which will be greatly determined by the Bill of Human Rights in the new constitution, the Reconstruction and Development Plan and the White Paper on Education and Training. After examining the implications of this new environment the article concludes by identifying opportunities for actively furthering Christian norms and values within the new environment of education and training in South Africa.
TL;DR: An extensive survey of the purpose, the methods and the contents of the late David Bosch's seminal work, Transforming Mission, is presented in this paper, where preliminary critical observations are made concerning the mission of the Âchurch in a new South Africa.
Abstract: The mission of the church In this article an extensive survey of the purpose, the methods and the contents of the late David Bosch's seminal work, Transforming Mission, is presented. On the basis of this survey, preliminary critical observations are made concerning the mission of the church in a new South Africa. It is argued that Bosch's contribution is of crucial importance for all future reflections on the foundations of mission.